What are some good landscaping plants for shade?

Question

I am planning on landscaping the front of my house. It is facing north and there is a big tree shading the area. I was looking for something to put against the house that could handle shade. I have a few box woods that do good there and one azalea that does decent. But I would like to have more variety.

My layout was to have enough evergreens that it looks nice in the winter. But I would also like some color in the summer. The other plant I was planning on was some hostas. I am going to be using rock to cover the ground so I really want to do this once and not have to plant anything else. This side of my house is really dry so I am putting a drip irrigation in. I did this around back and it works great. It saves a lot of water, and the soil moisture can be individually controlled for each plant.

What are some good evergreens and perennials for shade. Also any other tips?

I live in zone 6.

Answer 1

HI, I love shade gardens! Hostas are great(over 500 varieties) for the summer and into the fall. with a shade garden you can do so much. I won't go into the types of plants here (check the list below). Things to think about though: evergreens grow (will you keep them trimmed and small) You can use other structures for winter interest like pyramid trellises, or lattice work (the snow catches nicely on these. Small bushes with berries that loose there leaves but keep the berries are nice to. Going with one colour like green is nice too...you can go from very dark to light into the silvers and whites with a splash of colour in an annual say, so you can change the colour splash each year to keep things fun.



Hope the lists help!



Good Luck

wendy

Answer 2

Put some Creeping Jenny (Lisamachia < 6" tall light green) or Vinca minor (aka Periwinkle - dark green leaf with blue flowers) in front.

Behind Hosta, put in some Astilbe, a perennial with plume-like flowers slightly taller than most hosta. Lacy leaf contrasts well with host. I prefer the red or pink. White flowers look dirty as they fade.

Acuba is nice. My favorite is the variegated types. One is actually spotted. Reminds me of painting without a drop cloth. Brightens up the shade, contrast darker hollies. Big leaves contrast well with most hollies too.

Mahonia. This one is spooky looking to me. It is an odd olive green/grayish color with grape like berries and strange shaped leaves. Put in groups of 3 to 5 for best effect. Definitely breaks up the monotony.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I would contact your local University Extension Office and ask for a Master Gardener (we volunteer free of charge) to assist you. They volunteer phone time as a service to the local community and are informed and educated about what shrubs and plants will best grow in your area. Though I could give you some nice zone 6 plants that will take a northern exposure (remember to account for wind with a northern exposure), I don't know your local soil's pH, humidity levels, altitude etc.



For instance, I live in Zone 5. However, not all "Zone 5" labeled shrubs and plants will grow in my locallity because I live in a high altitutde area with very little humidity. If you edit your question and tell me the major city you live in or near, I'd be happy to get you in touch with a Master Gardener in your area that will be happy to offer you personalized help (always for free) in some good choices for your landscaping.



Best of luck!

Answer 4

Hosta love shade so does pachysandra, I've heard that bleeding hearts love shade, but I've never owned any.

Answer 5

Check out Dicentra or Hydrangeas. Lilacs will tolerate some shade and they smell great.

Answer 6

one of the best is day lillies.there are a ton of varieties and colors.then there is astible.bleeding hearts.hellebores,columbine,fox glove,primroses,bluebelles,phlox,ajuga,pachysandra,vinca, shasta daisy,periwinkle,hydragea,and woodruff for perenials.hemlock and yew shrubs are nice evergreens.you cant forget rhododenrians.try the link below



http://landscaping.suite101.com/article.cfm/twelve_beautiful_plants_for_shade

Answer 7

HOSTAS are an excellant choice! Join us for excellant prices.

[e-mail]

Answer 8

i live in zone 5 and i am buying this x2 for around two trees in my yard. i think it is a beautiful mix. http://www.4seasonsnurseries.com/detail.asp?pid=7741

and that is a good price.



at the bottom there is a list of what you get.

also i believe bleeding hearts do well in shade.

http://www.4seasonsnurseries.com/detail.asp?pid=6229



and jack in the pulpit is kinda cool lookin

http://www.4seasonsnurseries.com/detail.asp?pid=7321



actually heres a link to what plants do well in shade

http://www.4seasonsnurseries.com/prodnav.asp?cat_search=Shd&nav=per&header=Perennials~-~Shade/Partial~Shade

Answer 9

find ferns that are ok for your area they love shade I also like gardenias and camellias